How to Insulate Ducts
If you want to save your heating and cooling costs, insulate the ductwork so the heated and cooled air running through them won't escape. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Safety goggles
- Dust mask
- Gloves
- Foil tape
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Insulation
- Duct tape
Instructions
-
-
1
Seal the ductwork where two sections come together. Use scissors to cut pieces of foil tape for this task. Remove the smooth foil's paper backing to reveal the adhesive underneath. Position the sticky side onto the joint and press it down to secure it. Cover any holes you may find in the ducts.
-
2
Measure the diameter of the first piece of ductwork with a measuring tape. Unroll the insulation and cut a piece of that length. Wrap the insulation around the duct and secure it with duct tape.
-
-
3
Insulate the next section of ductwork. Overlap the next piece of insulation a couple of inches over the edge of the first. Then, wrap it around the pipe and secure it with duct tape.
-
4
Repeat cutting, wrapping and securing the duct until the entire length is covered with insulation. You shouldn't have to measure again unless the diameter of the duct changes.
-
5
Tape the seams with duct tape where the pieces of insulation overlap to help keep the hot and cold air from escaping.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Insulation comes in three- and four-foot widths, so installation will go quickly. You may not be able to reach some areas of ductwork; just insulate where you are able.
Use a dust mask to protect you from inhaling the tiny fiberglass particles in the insulation. Safety goggles and gloves will help protect you from getting the fiberglass particles in your eyes or on your hands.
